The Greater Toronto Airports Authority confirmed the windy weather resulted in a number of flights being grounded on Monday afternoon. Delays are expected to continue into the evening, especially on arriving flights, said GTAA spokesperson Beverly MacDonald.

As of 5:45 p.m., more than 200 flights had been cancelled. That number includes 116 arrivals and 102 departures.

“It’s just a lower rate to make sure that in between each flight everything is smooth and efficient on the ground, and safe. So instead of trying to have higher numbers taking off or departing at once, we just reduce that rate so that we can ensure the safety of everyone,” said MacDonald, adding that airlines, not the airport, make the decision about which flights get cancelled.

Winter weather and high winds are causing some delays and cancellations. If you’re flying, check your flight status with your airline or at https://t.co/sCj5fDvHJ1.

MacDonald said he accepts that delays like this one are just “part of air travel,” but that won’t make his day tomorrow any easier.

“I’m going to get in at one o’clock [Calgary] time, three o’clock my time,” he said. “I was hoping to get in a lot earlier to get to sleep and get to work tomorrow.”

Extreme cold alert cancelled

The flight reduction comes even as Environment Canada cancelled extreme cold weather alerts for the city and many surrounding regions. However, warnings remain in effect on Monday evening for areas north and east of the city, including York and Durham regions.

Monday’s forecast high is –9 C, and the forecast low is –19 C, but will feel more like –26 C with the wind.

Regular traffic will be able to resume if the winds decrease, MacDonald said.

For now, the airport authority recommends passengers check online about the status of their flights before heading to the airport.